also how are classifying inverted wingers. Is there a Tony Blair category for the Robert Pireses of the world who are nominally left wingers but drift further and further to the right over time. #satire

I mean, obviously he is, and a natural one at that, but he's developed into a much more fluid, freer role. feels like a stiker who likes to play on the wing but spends most time in the box. Hence my question upthread.

in the trident with rooney and tevez i'd say he was very much a winger, and he was amazing obviously. ronaldo between 2007-10 (??? united fans???) definitely in the conversation for best winger of my lifetime.

Durrr.
I said 'obviously he's a winger'. but he doesn't play hugely on the wing in the classic sense- there's a difference. he doesn't take on the same level of defensive responsiblities as you'd expect of a traditional winger. Look at him at Real, he's v often the most forward player on the pitch. I'm not the first person to question this btw, not by a long shot.

'His second season did not begin on a high note, although he started nearly every match before finding himself on the bench again. After a while, Ronaldinho rediscovered his form and was arguably Milan's best player of the season. He changed his role from an attacking midfielder to a left winger, a more familiar role.'

i think pires was an attacking midfielder who played on the left. he got to the byline a lot, but that was only one small part of his game. nedved probably not a winger in the trad sense for the same reasons.

wingers are really all about beating their man, providing width, and getting to the byline imo.